Important Dates Admissions Scholarships4Kats FAFSA
November 1
FAFSA & Scholarships4Kats Priority Deadline
February 1
Scholarships4Kats Deadline
July 1
Admissions Application Opens shsu.edu/apply
September 1
Scholarships4Kats Application Opens shsu.edu/scholarships
October 1
FAFSA Opens for Following School Year fafsa.gov
December 1
Spring Admissions Application Deadline
May 15
Summer Admissions Application Deadline
August 1
Fall Admissions Application Deadline
Financial Aid and FAFSA shsu.edu/finaid | 936.294.1774
A variety of financial aid resources are available to assist with funding your education. Federal, state, school, and private funds are available to those who qualify.
Types of Aid
� Grants: gift aid that does not have to be repaid. � Scholarships: generally merit-based gifts that do not
have to be repaid. While not all scholarships require a FAFSA on file, it is recommended you complete one.
� Loans: borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. � Work Study: wages for part-time employment with SHSU. Eligibility for financial aid is determined using your FAFSA application. While it’s not mandatory to complete a FAFSA for some types of financial aid, it is the form states and most colleges use to determine need-based aid.
Non U.S. Citizens If you’re a Texas resident and not a U.S. citizen, or you’re ineligible for Federal Aid, the state of Texas offers the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). Learn more about the TASFA by visiting shsu.edu/tasfa.
Federal Student Aid Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is easy and takes only about 20-30 minutes. There is even an app! Download the official myStudentAid app to get started at studentaid.gov.
7 Steps to Complete Your FAFSA fsaid.ed.gov
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the key to getting the money you need for college from both the federal government and SHSU. Filling out the FAFSA lets you apply for loans (must repay) and grants (do not repay).
1. Request FSA ID to complete your FAFSA You and your parent (if filing as a dependent) must create separate FSA IDs. If you are under the age of 24, you are most likely a dependent student.
2. Gather the correct documents • Social Security number • State issued ID • Federal tax information or tax returns including IRS W-2 • • • •
information for you (and your spouse, if you are married) and for your parents (if filing as a dependent) Current bank statements Your alien registration number (if you are not a U.S. citizen) Driver’s license (if you have one) Untaxed income-SNAP benefits, untaxed portion of pension or retirement accounts
3. Enter your personal information at fafsa.gov Use SHSU’s school code 003606
4. Enter demographic and financial information for you or your parent(s) If you are filing as a dependent, you will need to have your parent(s) help you complete this section.
5. Sign the document with your FSA ID 6. Submit the FAFSA and print confirmation 7. Review your aid notification Accept or decline each aid offer at shsu.edu/finaid/awards.
Scholarships, Grants, and Loans
Bearkat Promise shsu.edu/bearkatpromise Our Bearkat Promise guarantees all qualifying students receive grant and scholarship funds to cover the cost of mandatory* tuition and fees for up to 15 credit hours per semester! *The Bearkat Promise does not cover non-mandatory fees.
Scholarships
shsu.edu/scholarships | 936.294.1774 Many nonprofit and private organizations offer scholarships to help pay for college. You must be an accepted student at SHSU to apply for scholarships. To review your scholarship eligibility, you must complete the general application in the Scholarships4Kats portal. After you complete your profile, you are automatically considered for all relevant scholarships.
Smith-Hutson Scholarship smith-hutson.shsu.edu
Students awarded Smith-Hutson Scholarships may receive financial support up to a maximum of $18,500 per academic year for up to four years for incoming freshmen (Texas residents only) and two years for transfer students. Smith-Hutson Scholars also benefit from tutorial support, academic advising, mentoring, and professional development advising.
72%
Of Students Receive Some Form of Financial Aid
600+
Scholarships Administered for Achievement
Grants
shsu.edu/grants A grant is a form of financial assistance that doesn’t have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund). A variety of federal grants are available including Pell Grants, TEACH grants, military service grants, and more. Typically, grants are need-based but can be merit-based. In order to determine if you qualify for a grant, you must first complete the FAFSA. Many grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so complete your FAFSA early!
Federal Loans studentaid.gov
Federal Loans are low-interest loans for students and parents to help pay for the cost of college. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education rather than a bank or other financial institution. It is important to understand your repayment options so you can successfully repay your loan. If you accept a Direct Loan, you must complete Entrance Counseling and the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgment online.
TOP 10%
Best Colleges for the Money
90+
Undergraduate Degrees Offered
Award Acceptance Financial aid notifications are sent to SHSU student email accounts. Use your MySam account to review, accept, or decline awarded aid. Accepted aid is applied to your total balance due.
Cost Calculator shsu.edu/cost
The SHSU Cost Calculator provides an estimate of what you will pay for one semester at SHSU based on credit hour, housing, meal, and parking permit selections. It is an estimation only and does not reflect financial awards such as scholarships, grants, or loans.
Estimated Cost Per Semester *
Tuition & Fees | Texas Resident (12 hrs)
$4,480*
Books | Bearkat Bundle
$285
Residence Hall | Lone Star Hall (residence halls range from $2,112 - $3,292)
$2,856
Meal Plan | All Access
$2,325
Estimated Cost (per semester)
$9,946
Optional Parking Permit (one year)
$216
* Based on Fall 2021/Spring 2022 rates and are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit shsu.edu/cost.
Campus Jobs
Handshake
joinhandshake.com Bearkats Get Hired, partnered with Handshake, is SHSU’s online job database. You will find a multitude of part-time, full-time, on-campus, off-campus, and internship opportunities. Work-study programs are also available through Financial Aid.
Hi, I’m Tripod!
I’ll be your online guide to any questions you have about SHSU. Scan here to chat.
3,300+
Students Living on Campus
14
Residence Halls & Apartments
24-HR
Locked Residence Halls (ID Access Card Only)
October 1
Housing Application Opens to New Students
March 1-31
Roommate Selection Available
Residence Life shsu.edu/reslife
SHSU offers a variety of on-campus living options to thousands of Bearkats, including female and coed residence halls, apartments, and living-learning communities for honors students and specific majors. All first-year students who have been out of high school for less than a year are required to live in university residence halls and participate in the university meal plan. Once accepted to SHSU, you may submit your application for housing. Floorplans and photos of residence halls are available online.
Amenities Our residence halls come fully furnished and offer a number of amenities for your convenience.
Mail Center
Laundry Facilities
Vending Machines
Wi-fi
You Bring
We Provide
� Bedding and other linens
� Bunkable, twin-sized bed
� Cleaning supplies
� Mattress (36” x 78”)
� Wastebasket
� Shelves, desk, and chair
� Throw rugs
� Dresser and closet
� Curtains (tension rod only) � Computer (Wi-fi available)
Scan for more info.
� Mini fridge (max. 5.0 cubic ft.) Unless provided by SHSU � Shower curtain/hooks
May-June
Room Self Selection in Progress
August 12-14 Student Move-in
Office of Admissions
Box 2418 Huntsville, TX 77341-2418
Request Information shsu.edu/beabearkat
#beabearkat | shsu.edu